Shadowed

Heart of a Warrior #2

by Kariss Lynch

They were given a fresh start.

Their love blossomed in the aftermath of an earthquake but months later, a new enemy threatens. Kaylan Richards is adjusting to a new state with a new internship, new group of friends, and a new roommate intent on trying her patience. But it’s perfect. She’s with Nick and discovering a new normal, except for the constant worry that he may not come home.

An enemy lurks in the shadows.

Navy SEAL Nick Carmichael is on a mission to catch an elusive arms dealer, the most wanted supplier for terrorists all over the world, but his team is being targeted. The enemy is closer than he thinks, and Kaylan’s life is at risk.

When the fight comes to their door, what will they sacrifice to save each other?

Racing to eliminate the threat before it ruins their chance at a future, Kaylan and Nick must learn to trust and love one another in spite of risk or lose the relationship they’ve fought for. And maybe their very lives.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Christian

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 3, 2015

About the author

Kariss name means “grace” but graceful she is not (most of the time). She is an extroverted introvert who would rather write with people in the room so she can talk at the same time than hide in a corner.

Kariss Lynch began her writing career in third grade when she created a story about a magical world for a class assignment. Chasing her dream into college, she received a degree in English at Texas Tech University and fell in love with writing faith-based fiction about characters with big dreams, adventurous spirits, and bold hearts. Kariss is a diehard Texan, born and bred in Dallas, where she now works as a Content Director for a local communications ministry.

She has several loves in no particular order...
big dogs
coffee on a slow Saturday morning
traveling
spending time with loved ones
reading YA paranormal romance
white water rafting
writing faith-based fiction
laughing until she cries
taking pictures of sunsets
spending ALL THE TIME AND ADVENTURES with her new hubby

Reviews

[Abigail Harris]

RTC (Possibly . . .)

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This story picks up a few months after the first one ends. It was fun getting to hang out with Kaylan, Nick, Micah and their friends again. While I didn’t like this story as much as the first one, it was still good. This story had heart, it had a depth to the emotions that wasn’t just surface deep. The unity of the SEAL team, their commitment to each other even when they have different ideas, was encouraging.
There were quite a few kisses between Nick and Kaylan, but they weren’t very descriptive and never went beyond hugs and kisses. I appreciated how Kaylan was willing to share with others why she and Nick were waiting for marriage.
I didn’t guess the villain as soon as she showed up, but I was pretty suspicious of a few characters and then knew who it was before the SEALS did. I was rather surprised though that the FBI didn’t do background checks on certain people. And I did feel sorry for Nick after they had caught her. But I had already guessed that was going to happen.
The culmination of the danger and trouble was intense and I read faster than usual to try and help the characters get through it. (I’m not sure if it helped.)
The other thing I didn't care for was the whole bit about Halloween. It wasn't just mentioned, it was celebrated and enjoyed, with people dressing up and drinking (though the drinking was only mentioned).
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadowed is a thrill ride of intrigue and romance from beginning to end. Kariss Lynch manages to balance tenderness and courage with the perfect amount of suspense. I fell in love with Nick and Kaylan because they're real and imperfect, not to mention the fact that Nick had me swooning through the last sentence. Shadowed is sure to satisfy romance and suspense lovers everywhere! (Note: I was provided with a free copy of this book by the publisher and am happy to provide this excellent book with my endorsement.)

[Debbie Waltz · Rating 4 out of 5]

After morning the loss of her best friend last year Kaylan wonders whether she will ever be happy again. Let alone think of giving a relationship with Nick Carmichael a second chance. Still, she relocates to California to give it a shot. But the distance from her family isn't the only thing standing in the way of their happily ever after. It's Nick's career as well- he's a Navy Seal

[Neva Womack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I scored this book by Kariss Lynch at Dollar Tree for $1.00. It is the 2nd of 3 in the Heart of a Warrior Series but is great as a stand alone book. I do plan to by the 1st and 3rd one once I locate them. This book deals with a Navy Seal team and their families and the danger they face. I loved this book.

[Jacquelyn Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Heart of a Warrior Series is AMAZING! I discovered this series pursuing the inspirational section and have come to LOVE it. The Gospel and many other Christian Living elements in the books are rebuking and encouraging. Though it is a fiction book, readers can identify themselves throughout the book and grow in their Christian walk. Highly recommend

[Paula White · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second in a series combines the good qualities of book one in this series and a lot of action.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book One is mostly Romance. This second book in the series has Romantic Suspense with lots of surprising twists and fast-paced action.

[Jess (Shepherdjel) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully done. Love the relationship with Nick & Kaylan. The bravery & passion during the chaos definitely kept me intrigued.

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadowed, the second book in the Heart of a Warrior series, continues the story of Kaylan Richards and Nick Carmichael. Kaylan has since moved to California to be closer to Nick, her Navy SEAL boyfriend. The story leaps right into action, with Nick and his SEAL team chasing Janus, one of the most wanted arms-dealers in the world. Janus keeps evading the SEAL team, and the guys want nothing more than to bring her to justice. Meanwhile, Kaylan continues to struggle with the emotional and spiritual aftermath of the Haitian earthquake. As Kaylan and Nick’s relationship grows, they must learn to work together and compromise as they each deal with baggage from the past. Is loving Nick worth the risk of possibly losing him? Will Kaylan and Nick trust God with the future of their relationship? Will the SEAL team finally catch Janus?

Shadowed showcases an awesome, Christ-centered romance. One of the things I really admire about Ms. Lynch’s writing is her ability to convey deep emotions. While reading, I was almost in tears a few times because I could actually feel the emotions jumping off the pages.

The relationships in this story, both friendship and romantic, are so beautifully layered and realistically portrayed. Kaylan and Nick are strong in their faith, but they still have their share of struggles. Kaylan especially has a difficult time dealing with the danger involved with Nick’s job. I love Megan, Kaylan’s roommate, and their friendship added a great element to the story. I also love Kaylan’s family members, especially her brother Micah. Micah is Nick’s best friend, and that’s how the family first met Nick. I think that connection really works well for the story. Also, I really enjoyed the camaraderie of the members of the SEAL team. Ms. Lynch did a great job at showcasing each of their different personalities, while still showing how they worked together, supported each other, and were like brothers.

Here are a couple of quotes that really spoke to my heart, so I have to share:

She (Kaylan) just needed to discover the beauty that came after a person experienced brokenness.

More then ever, she (Kaylan) understood that despite outward appearances, one could never really know or understand the broken stories or the beauty that lay hidden in some people’s hearts.

I would highly recommend this series! Since Shadowed is the second book in the series, definitely read the first book,Surrendered, before diving into this one. Read them both, and then wait with anticipation for the third one!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Christy Chermak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kariss does it again in her 2nd book. This one, even more than the last I was hooked until I could finish. Finding time late at night for "just one more chapter", it becomes a page turner quickly. In this addition to the series, Kariss more intimately explores the emotions of a deepening romance, and accurately and effectively describes the trust and challenges that come as Nick and Kaylan's love grows. I found myself surprised at how easy it was to relate to the characters and to feel what they were feeling in the process.

While the romance story is excellently crafted, there's also a page turning thriller to be had when Nick's job seeps into his personal life. The scenes came off the pages as Lynch described secret ops, fights, and suspenseful interactions.

The plot is exciting and keeps you going, while the romance is creatively developed such that you're drawn in to the character's story. This will be a book you find yourself reading through quickly- anxious to see what happens next!

Highly recommended for those looking for an entertaining read that won't turn their brain to mush. Highly recommended for women, and a great gift for teen girls who are being told to find their worth elsewhere. Kariss builds characters that struggle WELL with identity, worth, and insecurity in the midst of dating.

[Chelsea-Shay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadowed drops us right into the action, being the second book in the Heart of a Warrior series, and just keeps running! It was the perfect blend of action, romance, reality, and faith! And quite honestly it was just a dang good read! I loved knowing that there was only pure and good content ahead of me because it allowed me to fly through the book freely, enjoying every single page turn, without fear of finding something I would blush at!!!

I must say that my favorite thing about Lynch's writing is the perspective of SEAL's through the lens of faith. Gosh, she nailed it with the title " Heart of a Warrior" because that is truly the most touching thing about this book!!! There was a rawness to the characters battle for faith that I connected with so so deeply. I have read all of those best seller SEAL books lately and they are consumed with pure action and deep emotions but none of them have touched on the men's faith in such a stirring way as this book did! Shadowed takes the men fighting for our freedom and allows us to experience their battles in the field, at home, AND in the heart!

I can't wait for the next one!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my review.

This suspenseful Christian Romance series is one that you do not want to miss. I do not want to say much about the plot of this book because it is the second in the series and I don't want to spoil the first book.

One of my favorite parts of this series is the reminder of God's love and His presence in our lives even in difficult times. Additionally, I love the fast-paced nature of the novels and the action that is present in every chapter.

Although the series is written in third person, each chapter focuses on one of the two main characters: Kaylan or her boyfriend Nick. The first book, Shaken, was mainly in Kaylan's perspective and Shadowed is mainly in Nick's perspective. Nick is a SEAL and although I appreciate that he serves our country in this series I am finding it more difficult to connect to the story line in this novel. This is why I could not give this book a perfect 5/5 stars.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a Christian Romance novel filled with action and suspense.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

[Tammy G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Shaken, the first book in this Heart of A Warrior Series, so I picked Shadowed because it continues Kaylan Richards and Nick Carmichael's story.
Yes, you probably need to read the first book, Shaken before reading Shadowed. There is a lot about Kaylan and Nick that you will want to know before going into the second read.
Shaken begins with more of a of a let's get acquainted type of read but Shadowed begins with a bang! It's a page.turner! One of those ... just one more chapter books!
The plot is well developed....I like the realism of Nick and Kaylan's lives. It isn't easy being a SEAL especially when you're in a case and then that person you're chasing down turns the tables and begins attacking the ones whom you love.
As Nick and the team chase down Janus (the 'bad' person), she turns the tables. Kayla begins to receive threatening notes and things begin to disappear or are being misplaced in her home.
Nick has to trust God to take care of Kaylan since he can't be by her side. And Kaylan, too, must trust God and not man.
A fantastic christian novel especially if you love suspense and military reads!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

From page one, Shadowed had me absolutely captured. I loved reading about Kaylan and Nick in Shaken, and in Shadowed was even better, with more mystery and intrigue that keeps you guessing. As the reader, we watch Kaylan continuing to heal from the loss of her best friend and the emotional trauma from Haiti's earthquake, and when faced with fearful circumstances, she handles them with grace, sacrifice, and guts. Nick, I am convinced, is the epitome of what every girl wants in a man. He is brave and selfless, kind and strong, and most importantly he follows Christ with all he has. I loved watching their relationship continue to grow and strengthen, as well as their playful banter.Shadowed has me enchanted with Alabama sunrises and California sunsets, and Lynch accurately portrays the SEAL's and their fierce love of their country and their people. I would recommend this book to everyone, and look forward to the next books in the Heart of a Warrior series, as well as anything else that Lynch writes.

[Ashley Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadowed offers a unique and delightful blend of romance and suspense! It moved me to tears, made me laugh...and made me a little jumpy! It offers relatable and honest characters that face many challenges, chief among them their own weaknesses. Author Kariss Lynch exhibits patience and maturity as an author by taking the time necessary to develop characters that matter. Kaylan's journey from being a woman whose faith is plagued by doubt to being a woman of stout faith is powerful. Few of us will face the perils of dating a Navy SEAL, but all of us face the challenge of releasing our doubts into the hands of a mighty God whose will and purposes are often mysterious.

As someone who has struggled with the content of many Christian romances, Lynch's depth of insight into the beauty of romance as God intended it is refreshing. Nick and Kaylan's romance has enjoyable sparkle and challenging depth as they learn that beauty and fireworks are far from enough to bind two people together.

Shadowed is an enjoyable and impactful read!

[ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read by Kariss Lynch. It's a fantastic story about the heart of a Navy Seal with a Christian twist.

Nick Carmichael has a strong belief that what happens in life is due to God's great plan. Everything good and bad, all the highs and lows have a bigger meaning. Nick is the kind of man who doesn't shy away from danger and believes that life will turn out just as God designed.

Nick is sent on several missions to help stop an arms dealer. Along the way his girlfriend, Kaylan Richards, is caught in the middle. As Nick and his seal team fight for their country they also face the threat to their families. Has he inadvertently placed the ones he loves in harm's way???? What will he do when an unseen enemy makes themselves known and brings threatens to take away the one he loves??????

This book is one of the few that I know I can give to my son or daughter. It's book I enjoyed and I know they will too....

[Trinity Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadowed by Kariss Lynch is book 2 in the Heart of a Warrior Series. Shadowed can also be a stand alone book.
Nick and Kaylan have gotten closer than in book 1 and Nick tells her he loves her, but Kaylan has to work through her feelings. She feels if she loves someone she will lose them as she did her best friend Sarah in the Haiti earthquake in book 1.
Then the threat of Janus that Nick and the other SEALs are after is now targeting Kaylan. Usually family are safe from the threat of the SEALs, so they have to be extra careful.
This book Shadowed has a lot of twists and turns. You will be surprised and astonished at how everything turns out.
An amazing story full of love, hope, forgiveness and honor.
Highly recommended.


Thanks to Charisma House for providing this book for review. I
was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have
expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with
the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

[ANNETTE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed around a mystery involving Navy seals. The characters were strong and well developed.

[Janice Paterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was better than the first. The first was a slow start, but this one started off with a bit of a thrill. I was guessing who was shadowing the characters throughout the book. I loved that Kaylan showed some courage and growth. I enjoyed getting to know Nick better. I got to a point where I had to run back and forth between chores and the book because I didn't want to put it down. This book was exciting and funny, with just enough action to keep things moving. I cannot wait for the next book, and am hoping to see more from Kariss in the future.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is categorized as a Christian Romance novel but Suspense needs to be included in the description. There's plenty of romance for the women but there's a good dose of action and suspense. I mean, let's face it: how can you write a book involving Navy SEALs without those elements. I recommend the book, but you need to read "Shaken", the first book in the Heart of a Warrior series, before you read this one. I am really looking forward to Book Three.

[Amanda Rardon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing ride! I was hooked from page one and had a hard time putting down! Mystery, suspense, romance and faith.....love it! I read Lynch's previous novel "Shaken" just prior to reading "Shadowed" and immediately fell in love with the characters, who continued to develop in this story. I cannot wait for book #3!!!!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!! I loved how the characters dealt with what they were going through while depending on the Lord! It was a great reminder that the Lord can carry us through the simple and the impossible. I loved how Kaylan and Nick supported each other and matured in their walk with the Lord together. I can't wait until the next book!!

[Shauna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Christian clean read. I liked this book better than the first. What's not to love about a Navy seal? He's pretty dreamy. Engaging mystery even though it was predictable. Really liked the growth of the characters in this one.

[Brenda Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. A romance with suspense included. I received this book through Good Reads.

[T.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great twists.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can find my review on the RT Bookreviews website:

http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...